About us

Permaculture’ is an integrated land use design methodology based on ecological principles, with practical application from sustainable household to eco-nation to global restoration.

Permaculture design concept is an abundant, integrated and practical method of developing the external ecosystem. Yoga is the inner ecology of living consciously, spiritually, and harmoniously in the world. Both concepts compliment each other and blend together to develop a sustainable lifestyle within one’s inner self and the outer environment.

This course is the standard residential International Permaculture Design Certificate curriculum, taught in an integrated hands-on way, culminating in a comprehensive land-use design project. Yoga, deep relaxation and meditation sessions will be woven into the daily schedule bringing you a unique course combining inner ecology (yoga) with the outer ecology (Permaculture).

This 17 day course includes practical skill building activities, mini-design exercises, and visits to inspirational properties that demonstrate Permaculture in practice. It takes place in an intentional eco yoga community and incorporates the exploration of Deep Ecology, the connection to nature and element themed yoga practices aimed at enhancing personal sustainability that extends out into the wider community.

Upon completion, a Permaculture Design Certificate will be issued by The Institute of Earthcare Education Aotearoa.

If your looking for a peaceful, spiritual, connected place to retreat and immerse yourself, learn, heal and be nourished then Anahata is the place for you. The people, ceremony, native environment and the knowledge/wisdom that is shared is up there with the best!!
Gareth Lamb

Event Highlights

The Retreat Programme Includes

Hatha yoga classes

Small group discussions

Guided meditation

Daily mantra meditation

Kirtan (singing mantras to music)

Daily Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)

Karma Yoga (action with meditative awareness)

Fire Ceremony (Havan) and Chanting

Permaculture design and practice

Organic growing methods

Rural land management

Integrated animal systems

Water harvesting & storage, grey-water & ‘waste’ recycling

Ecological building

Renewable energy syst

Venue Highlights

ASHRAM PRINCIPLES

Anahata Yoga Retreat is based on the principles of an ashram, which is traditionally a place dedicated to personal transformation through regularity of yogic practice and self enquiry with the support of a community of aspirants.

The rhythmic environment helps an individual to find more clarity and peace as well as form healthy habits and bring yoga into daily life. An ashram provides the foundation for self growth and development of inner potential.

The resident community practices acceptance, compassion and equanimity in the different activities in life, through the yogic principles of karma yoga meditation in action and Seva selfless service. All visitors are welcome to join in these practices.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

A healthy lifestyle and environment go hand-in-hand. Sustainable living is intrinsic to the yogic tradition. At Anahata we practise energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management. We use solar power, composting toilets and unique eco-friendly earth and straw buildings. We are also caretakers of the ecologically significant flora and fauna of Golden Bay with an active interest in conservation in the region.

ORGANIC GARDEN

Our organic garden is an ongoing project. It is being developed along Permaculture Design principles and is largely bio-dynamic. The garden produces a range of herbs and vegetables that are used daily in our delicious vegetarian meals. All scraps from meals are used to make compost or fed to our worm farms, where the worms happily transform bits of fruit and veggies into worm castings, which are then used, along with the compost, to mulch trees and the garden.

ALTERNATIVE POWER

Anahata is off the electrical grid and relies on solar power, minimizing impact on the environment. Other alternative power options to complement our solar power is a future project.

ECO BUILDINGS

At present, we have two different types of straw bale structures and an earth yurt. These buildings have excellent insulation, staying warm in the winter and keeping cool in the summer. They were also built using primarily natural materials.

COMPOSTING TOILETS

Anahata uses primarily composting toilets, helping to minimize water usage. The compost from these toilets is used to mulch trees around the property.
Green Cleaning

We use biodegradable, environmentally friendly cleaners. We ask that guests also use biodegradable soaps, shampoos and laundry detergent when visiting.

WHITE ZONE

At Anahata Yoga Retreat we strive to maintain the natural beauty of the landscape and provide a place where our guests can retreat from the stress and stimulation of work, modern technology and the impact of city life. Anahata aims to minimize electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) by limiting cell phone use, consolidating computer use to specific areas and choosing low EMF options wherever possible.
Caretakers of Native Bush

Anahata is committed to caring for the land and preserving old growth indigenous forest that covers most of the property, taking into account the environmental impact of any new buildings or developments.

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Menu/Cuisine

LOCAL & ORGANIC MEALS

Food nourishes us and provides our physical body with the energy it needs to go about its daily activities.

All meals provided are vegetarian – simple, nutritious & satisfying. Much of our organic food is sourced from local growers or picked fresh from our garden, which is developed along permaculture design principles.

We provide 3 Vegetarian meals per day:
Breakfast: a light meal to break the fast from the previous night.
Lunch: the main meal of the day, when our digestive fires are the strongest.
Dinner: a light meal to ensure that all food is completely digested before going to sleep.

The water at Anahata is from a pure mountain spring and is absolutely safe to drink.

VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE & OTHER NEEDS

Eat to live, don’t live to eat.

The kitchen is not to be used for personal cooking. However the option of cooking alongside one of the retreat residents and learning about sattwic food preparation and prasad is a possibility during your stay if you choose.

If you have medically related food requirements or allergies, please inform on booking.

Food is not allowed in the bedrooms. We can cater to vegan and gluten free requirements, for other required speciality foods or snacks you may wish to bring your own supply. Please confirm when booking if in doubt.

YOGIC DIET

At Anahata, you will get the chance to experience a yogic diet, a vegetarian diet that is based on principles of simplicity, and that supports our being in the process of positive transformation. A proper diet that is pure, simple and as natural as possible is essential for progress in yoga. If one eats pure food, then the system is revitalized again and again.

Our state of mind affects the subtle vibration of the food we cook as well as our ability to digest it. In the ashram, we call food Prasad, which is an offering from the heart. Any kind of food that we prepare to offer someone else is Prasad, as is all food that is offered to us.

Accommodations

A range of lodging options are available from shared rooms to a private straw bale round house with stunning views of Golden Bay. Tent sites and camping are also available.

Retreat rates are priced separately and include shared lodging, meals and all programs.

Chakra Guest House – Private Straw Bale Yurt or other Private Rooms are subject to availability and additional cost.

Directions

LOCAL TAXI SERVICE

You can hire the local MaxiCab Shuttle service. Book online or ring the freephone number or text 0800-MaxiCab (0800-6294222) to book a taxi service. It is essential to pre-book in advance (limited rural service).

There is an airport in Nelson, and there is a small airport in Takaka. Nelson is the main national airport for the region and is a 2 hour drive from Takaka. Or fly directly from Wellington to Takaka.

Golden Bay Air offers scheduled flights from Wellington directly to Takaka all year.This is a gorgeous flight over Cook Strait and Abel Tasman National Park.
Air New Zealand offers daily flights to Nelson.

SELF- DRIVE DIRECTIONS

From Nelson, which is the main city in the north part of the South Island, travel west through the town of Motueka. Note that there are no petrol stations
available between Motueka and Takaka, so best to fill up in Motueka. Stick to the speed limits to avoid traps!

After crossing the Takaka Hill from Nelson, you will drive towards and into Takaka. Turn Right immediately past the Visitors Centre (Don’t go through Takaka!). Follow the road to the roundabout at the dairy factory and turn Right. Drive towards Pohara Beach for about 10 minutes. The road curves on a big right and then a big left. You will pass Motupipi School (on left), then take the next turn right at the Clifton ‘+’ crossroads. Turn right at the next ‘T’ Junction at Carlyle Street. Follow this road to the next T-junction and turn LEFT continuing on Clifton Road. As you turn you will see an orange “Anahata Retreat” sign. You will come to a gravel road and a sign saying Bird Road. Follow the gravel road (Bird Road) up to the top of the mountain (7km). You will notice a sign part way up the hill with several family names on it. This is a private driveway/road to their house. Continue on past this drive. There are some shallow fords and various gates. Please leave the gates as you find them (closed if closed). When you are half way up you will come to 2 gates side-by-side. Go through the left gate (not the one going down the hill to thefarm).

When you arrive at the top after approx. 30 minutes driving you will see a little sign on the other side of the top gate to the right that says Abel Tasman Wainui Hut. Go through this gate and follow the same gravel/dirt road heading a little left. On your left (a hundred metres or so) you will see a row of big Pine Trees, a house and some gardens. There is an “ANAHATA” sign on the fence to the right of the gate. You have arrived. Welcome to Anahata Yoga Retreat!

Park outside and walk through the Anahata gate to the office (in front of and attached
to the building you see).

About the
Venue and Teachers

Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand is situated in the midst of native beech forest with spectacular ocean views bordering the Abel Tasman National Park. It is a residential eco-­yoga retreat using alternative power, composting toilets, eco buildings and nutritious organic vegetarian meals.Anahata Yoga Retreat is a supportive, inspiring and dynamic environment that welcomes everyone regardless of age, background and level of yoga experience. We live, share and teach the yogic principles.Our integral approach provides inspiration to enrich your life as well as valuable skills to bring into your day­to­day activities. It is draws from the traditional branches of yoga such as Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti & Mantra Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga and Yoga Nidra The benefits can be experienced on a mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual level. All guests are invited to participate in the variety of activities.Find out about the different levels of immersion and training for individuals and groups on your retreat options and about our daily schedule and other Daily ScheduleAt Anahata, yoga is more than physical exercise, it is a way of being, a way of living, an attitude with life and towards life, a yogic lifestyle. Yoga provides the tools to live a balanced, grounded and more centred life. These potentials dwell within you. Discover a stronger foundation of your self, renewed energy and a broader perspective of possibilities for your life.At Anahata we live, share and teach the yogic lifestyle. Our integral approach provides inspiration to enrich your life as well as valuable skills to take away & incorporate into your day-to-day activities. The benefits can be experienced on a mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual level.

Visiting Teacher, Sannyasin Atmavidya, currently Director of Vishuddhi Yoga Centre in Christchurch, has been a student of yoga and meditation for the last 24 years with 15 years teaching in areas including yoga centres, ashrams, primary, secondary schools and tertiary institutions. She has spent time training in India and offers creativity, humility and a range of experience.

Visiting Teacher, Robina McCurdy is the founder of the Institute of Earthcare Education Aotearoa, co-founder of Tui Land Trust & Community in Golden Bay, NZ and pioneer of the S.E.E.D (Schools Environmental Education & Development) programme in South Africa and Brazil and has been engaged in community development, organic growing, permaculture design and tutoring on a global scale for the past 25 years. To hear more about the course and her personal connection to Permaculture read our latest interview with Robina.

Inna Alex is a trained Environmental Planner and Landscape Architect. Living at Tui Community, she aims to integrate her Permaculture knowledge by co-ordinating and co-teaching some of Earthcare’s Permaculture Education Programmes, living actively in intentional community, teaching yoga and tending the garden. Inna's main focus in teaching on the PDC is Deep Ecology, as she is passionate about facilitating access to and sustenance of our internal motivation and capacities to heal our world.

Guenther Andraschko is an experienced workshop facilitator and permaculture and landscape designer. He has over 25 years experience in designing and creating unique outdoor environments utilising permaculture principles, both in New Zealand and Australia and in a diversity of environments. He brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience and enjoys supporting others to realise their own permaculture projects and aspirations.

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Why Retreat?

We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:

After participating in more yoga classes and events this year than in my entire life, I am yearning for the opportunity to attend a professional retreat. The opportunity to grow my practice, learn from talented students and teachers, and immerse myself in this gorgeous Red Feather Lakes sanctuary is the dream of a lifetime!
Sara

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.